3/12/2013: Signed a five-year, $34.75 million contract. The deal contains $14 million guaranteed -- a $7 million signing bonus and each of Ellerbe's first two base salaries. Ellerbe is eligible for annual $25,000 workout bonuses throughout the contract's life. 2013: $1 million, 2014: $6 million, 2015-2017: Under Contract, 2018: Free Agent

3/12/2013: Signed a five-year, $34.75 million contract. The deal contains $14 million guaranteed -- a $7 million signing bonus and each of Ellerbe's first two base salaries. Ellerbe is eligible for annual $25,000 workout bonuses throughout the contract's life. 2013: $1 million, 2014: $6 million, 2015-2017: Under Contract, 2018: Free Agent

I really dont understand the whole contract deal or what gar money means in the long term so I have no idea why people are upset over that number....

If the guy plays 16 games in 2013 for us, and does not produce at the level we expected and is cut next off season, how does it affect us and the cap?

21 million lol.

Guaranteed money is basically the money you're responsible for if you cut him early.

So if we were to cut him today, the cap hit would be whatever his guaranteed money is. If his guaranteed money was only in the first 2 years of his contract, and the 3 remaining base salaries made up the other 14 million that adds up to the 35 million figure we hear about, then those base salaries wouldn't count against the cap. We'd still take a cap hit because of his signing bonus proration, but no other hits.

That's why the guaranteed money is all that counts honestly. Total money number is just that....a number.

It's $14 million guaranteed... $7 million signing bonus... first two years base salary guaranteed so its another Hartline contract. So step back from the ledge guys... everything will be alright. If the guy sucks, he is gone in two years.

The Miami Herald confirms Dannell Ellerbe will be the Dolphins' starting middle linebacker, replacing Karlos Dansby.Dansby was run out of town despite amassing 134 tackles (101 solo) and nine pass breakups last season while playing through a biceps tear. It's a strong hint that Ellerbe could be big-time in IDP fantasy leagues. Koa Misi figures to remain Miami's starting strong-side linebacker, with Philip Wheeler at "SAM."